Dave Thomas, 71, a resident of Okeechobee, FL went home to  with the Lord on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee. He was born to the parents of the late Dave Thomas, Sr. and the late Annie Pearl Williams on April 18, 1947 in Belle Glade, FL.  Shortly thereafter the family moved to Okeechobee, FL where he attended Douglas Brown School. In 1963 he met his wife, Mary Tyson and in 1970 they were united in Holy Matrimony.  This union was blessed with 7 beautiful children. Mr. Thomas was a hard worker and worked very hard to support his family. During his lifetime, he was employed as a truck driver for Robinson Citrus and after retirement he became a self employed truck driver. He was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Okeechobee where he loved to sing and play the piano. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #450-PHA in Okeechobee.  He was well-known in his community and will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Remaining to cherish his precious memories are: a loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Mary Thomas of Okeechobee, FL; 5 caring sons, Dave Thomas, lll (Sheila) of Valdosta, GA, Tyrone Thomas (Linda) of Louisville, KY, Gregory Thomas (Areatha) of Okeechobee, FL, Anthony Thomas (Sharonda)  of Moore Haven, FL and Marvin Thomas (Gloria) of Okeechobee, FL; 2 loving daughters, Samantha Thomas (Sammie) and Tabitha Thomas (Chedrick), both of Okeechobee, FL; a special son, Bruce Snell (Pamela) of Okeechobee, FL; 3 sisters, Miose Joiner (Marvin), Verna Alderman (Carlton) and Tammy Files-Cooper (Gary), all of Okeechobee, FL; 1 brother-in-law, Willie Edward Tyson of Atlanta, GA; a great-uncle, Henry Coleman (Peggy) of Okeechobee, FL; 35 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives including a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Masonic family. Services:  Visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 6 pm - 8pm at First Missionary Baptist Church in Okeechobee and A Home Going Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018, 11 am at the church with Reverend Leroy Smith officiating.  He will await the resurrection at Evergreen Cemetery in Okeechobee. Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Thorne's Mortuary in Stuart, FL.